Roads closed as winds batter resort

Roads across Blackpool town centre have been closed and trams and buses affected as severe winds batter the Fylde coast.

Gusts of up to 70mph have sparked major safety concerns and police have closed a number of town centre routes.

Blackpool Promenade between Springfield Road and New Bonny Street, Market Street, Corporation Street, Talbot Road as far as Abingdon Street, Abingdon Street and Bank Hey Street are among the streets which have been shut off.

Meanwhile Blackpool Transport has cancelled all trams for safety reasons, while there are a catalogue of bus diversions to avoid closed-off routes.

A statement from the company said: “The tram service has been terminated and all trams are returning to Starr Gate depot.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers.”

Firefighters said they were called to attend a number of minor incidents caused by the high winds.